Will to Overcome Challenge--A Bicycle Race for Veterans

Will to Overcome Challenge--A Bicycle Race for Veterans

34

$2,088

Raised
(USD)

Days Left:
13

Goal:
$2,500

From Spencer Charles Anderson II

Join me as I and others bike approximately 400 miles over 7 days. This race will spread confidence and give much needed hope to wounded veterans.
Please consider supporting my campaign by contributing to travel costs.

Spencer Charles Anderson II

More Info

Hello and welcome. Thank you for your interest in supporting wounded veterans with me.

My name is SFC Spencer Anderson II. I am a Soldier in the US Army, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. I currently serve as a flight medic, a position I feel honored to have. It's a great feeling to have a job where I can focus on caring for fellow Soldiers in the times they may need it most. I know that my time with them is only the beginning of the challenges that they will face as they heal.

I myself have found myself suffering with challenges related to my own combat injuries. On January, 21, 2007, as a ground medic, I was knocked unconscious and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other internal injuries when two 155 mm rounds exploded less than 10 meters from my Humvee door.

After spending a few years in therapy, I was introduced to cycling as a way to continue my healing. I absolutely feel that this sport and the comradeship it brought me gave me that push I needed to keep going. As I worked to overcome my injuries, I earned opportunities to participate in rides to raise awareness for wounded veterans as well as a trip to the 2013 Warrior Games.

I was recently invited to participate in Denmark's inaugural cycling challenge--one of only 20 US service members to be invited. This bicycle ride for wounded, ill and injured service members, active duty personnel and civilians will encourage participants to overcome challenges and build community. The event will take place August 17-27, 2018 at various locations across Denmark and Germany, covering approximately 400 miles.

For the last several years, the USO has included several Danish wounded veterans in their annual wounded warrior programming so Denmark is reciprocating by hosting US service members in this inaugural cycling event. The Denmark Challenge will also include cyclists form Germany and France, Danish Parliament, and other military leadership.

Cycling events like this one allow participants to bond with other wounded, ill, and injured service members while focusing on a common goal, aid in their recovery by reducing stress and combatting depression and provide a new perspective and resources regarding their injuries.

Denmark is not only extending this invitation to select US service members, they are also covering meals and lodging expenses. The service members must only arrange travel to/from Denmark. This is a unique opportunity to support our US allies and to assist Denmark in developing their much-needed wounded warrior programming.

Thank you for your consideration in supporting this important event for wounded, ill and injured service members across the globe. Donations will be used for travel to and from Denmark.

Please follow along as I will be adding photos, videos, and more on my personal journey through combat-related injuries and how cycling helped give me focus and purpose when I needed it most. I am also excited to share my experience of the Denmark Challenge with each and every one of you. If you have friends and family who would also be interested in following along, please share this campaign with them.